Podocarpus leaves turn yellow and drop - where is the problem?

[VietHoang3110]

It may related to this thread but since no clear answer was found no I would like to bring back the discussion.

M

Thread 'Podocarpus leaves have been slowly turning yellow and then brown for a good 2 months now'

Oct 15, 2022

Hello

my podocarpus has been sadly doing quite dreadfully for the past months. its' leaves have been turning yellow and then brown. I have been fertilizing it regularly (once a week) with a 6:6:6 fertilizer and watering it not too much! (every three days) but I seem to not be able to stop this. I have lost hope a bit but would still appreciate some thoughts and comments about why this is happening.. the other questions is also, if it is has an iron deficiency. I have already given it some magnesium but it didn't have any effect.. Any idea?

All the best,

• MindMint
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Tropicals

Hi everyone. I'm relatively new to bonsai and today I want to ask for your advice about my Podocarpus plant. Until recently its leaves are starting to yellow and then drop, but I can't figure out what the problem is. It was placed outside in full sun all the time unless the temperature drop below zero. I only water it when the soil really dries up, which for my climate only 2 to 3 times a week at most (this plant can endure some drought and afraid of wet feed from my understanding). The plant gets fertilizer from the beginning of the growing season and also drinking rain water which I collected over the year. The plant is pushing a lot of new growth, but at the same time a lot of leaves are losing it shiny green color, even some older branches as well. Below you can find some pictures of it and of course the soild mix that I planted it into.


So in your opinion what are the potential cause? Is it because I water it too much/too little? Or nutrition deficiency? Or some kind of disease on plant? Please let me know your advices.

 

[TrimmyWhimmy]

The pot is small and would dry out quickly. You could try immersing it in water until bubbles stop coming up.

 

[VietHoang3110]

The pot is small and would dry out quickly. You could try immersing it in water until bubbles stop coming up.

Hey, thanks for reply. Indeed, all I did was bottom watering. And no, I don't really think the pot is that small compared to the size of the tree. Here is another photo from a different angle. Soil in this picture was replaced during a repot this spring.

 

[VietHoang3110]

Guys, just want to give an update about the situation as I'm deeply puzzled right now. Even after moving the plant into a shady area and monitering the watering carefully, it seems like nothing has changed so far as leaves keep yellowing and dropping like flies. A couple of days ago I've decided to lift the plant out of the pot to check the root condition since there's a big chance it's a root problem. To my surprise, the root was completely fine: no rotten smell, no mushy root, all vibrant color to be seen. At the bottom the Mycorrhiza network is starting to form and take shape (unfortunately no picture was taken so you can have a better idea how it looks like). Right now as more leaves are dropping, some small branches are starting to dried out and overall, the tree loses its deep green color and looks pale green as you can see below (even the moss at the bottom looks healthier than the plant itself)



And here are some of the dropping leaves that the plant sheds in one day

Right now I feel completely helpless, as I'm losing the plant every single day but just cannot figuring out what is the reason. Last bit of idea that I can think of is the water source that I use, since it was rain water but is stored in a big bucket that is not being cleaned for a really long time, so poison could be present inside? So what should I do next, please raise your voice as me and the plant are deeply appreciated by your help

 

[Srt8madness]

Maybe overwatering combined with overcare. Constantly moving it around, soaking the rootball then putting in shade, pulling it out of the pot. It's a lot of love. No leaf or needle stays forever. Could be an overreaction to a natural issue, when then stresses the tree more.

FYI moss like damp conditions. It thriving is a sign the soil is too wet IMO.